The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has put forth a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pinpointing what they see as the best way forward for the area near Kimball Junction in Park City. Their favored approach, described as Alternative C in the document, entails several changes designed to streamline traffic for both motorists and non-motorists alike, ahead of the bustle expected for the 2034 Olympics.
UDOT's endorsement for Alternative C includes a laundry list of adjustments aimed to ease congestion and increase safety. As outlined on the Kimball Junction Environmental Impact Statement website, the proposal calls for additional lanes on the I-80 ramps and SR-224, a second lane for the roundabout at Ute Boulevard and Landmark Drive, a new pedestrian underpass, alongside shifted trails, and a bike lane, not forgetting the essential intersection upgrades, as detailed by UDOT.
Becky Stromness, UDOT Project Manager, emphasized the importance of preparing the community for the upcoming global event. "The Park City area is thriving, and with the 2034 Olympics approaching, we want to make sure this community is prepared for an influx of visitors by creating long-lasting mobility improvements for residents to enjoy for years to come," Stromness explained, she added that, "Alternative C showed a greater reduction in travel delay and faster travel speeds during peak periods, as well as having a lower construction cost and fewer overall impacts compared to the other options we evaluated," as obtained by UDOT.
To glean public opinion on these moves, UDOT has announced the start of a public comment period beginning today. It will run up to April 28, with several avenues open for feedback submission, such as online forms, email, postal mail, text, voicemail, and even in person at a public hearing. UDOT encourages community engagement, with Stromness noting, "The option we’re recommending will improve transportation for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and we’re looking forward to hearing from the community now that we’re closer to a final decision."
For locals wanting to get involved, two public hearings are on the docket – a physical meeting scheduled for April 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Ecker Hill Middle School and a digital one on April 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. through Zoom. These sessions will give attendees a chance to digest study findings, chat with the study team, and formally voice their comments. Details for registration and hearing attendance can be found on the study's official website.
